What a comforting message to think upon, especially in those times that try the soul! The very God of the universe, the One who created all things, was telling Abraham that God Himself was his shield. With God as his shield, nothing should trouble Abraham. No worries about his future, nor even the devices of the enemy could touch him. And, we Christians have the words of that same God, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:31–32). Thus it is as true for Christians today as for Abraham centuries ago—the Lord is our shield and our exceedingly great reward! My heart is gladdened, even in the darkest trials, when I think of the constant protection and care of our Lord for His children, and of all the blessings that became mine when I first believed.

We Christians also have the Lord as our shield and our exceedingly great reward. We who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ have amazing riches far outshining and outlasting anything we might receive of this world, as we read in Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Being saved from wrath, through faith in Christ, we have peace with God, and are brought into His very family. Our Lord Jesus, as perfect Man, is now in the glory, interceding for us and encouraging us along this wilderness path. And then there is that sure hope of glory, when the Lord Jesus will come take us to be with Himself. Truly, our Lord Jesus is our shield and our exceedingly great reward!